Based in Middle Tennessee with over 20 years of teaching experience, Dr. Sarah K. Crocker is the Owner and Director of the Hillnote Harp Academy in Franklin, TN, Adjunct Professor of Harp at Middle Tennessee State University and Lipscomb University, and harp faculty of the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts.
Having a passion for teaching from a young age, Dr. Crocker holds a B.M., M.M., and D.M.A. in Harp Performance and Musicology and more than 20 years of experience working with students of all ages and levels, from child and adult beginners to college students seeking careers as a professional harpists. Sarah specializes in the French harp technique, focusing on a healthy, relaxed and supple hand position to achieve a full and round sound. Dr. Crocker has given masterclasses and been invited to present her research on the French harp masters Alphonse Hasselmans, Henriette Renié, Marcel Grandjany, and Pierre Jamet at American Harp Society National Conferences, the Music by Women Festival, and universities across the U.S. and South America. In addition to teaching, Sarah is an sought-after performer and studio musician throughout the Southeast and beyond. She recently appeared as a featured soloist at the 2019 Lyon & Healy Harptacular in Nashville, serves as principal harp of the Tennessee Philharmonic and North Mississippi Symphony Orchestras, customizes music for weddings and events through her business Hillnote Music, and regularly tours with her chamber groups the Druid City Ensemble and Sticks & Strings. Sarah serves on the Board of Directors of the American Harp Society as the Southern Regional Director and Regional Director Coordinator, on the Editorial Board of the American Harp Journal, and was the President of the Nashville Chapter from 2014-2019.
Dr. Crocker is the Owner and Director of the Hillnote Harp Academy located in Franklin, TN with satellite studios located in Spring Hill and Murfreesboro, TN, enabling her to teach students across the Nashville area, Middle Tennessee, and in southern Kentucky and north Alabama and Mississippi. Harp lessons include instruction in harp technique, musicality, music history and theory and focus on solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire. Dr. Sarah welcomes students of all ages and levels and, while specializing in classical music, teaches a variety of genres from Celtic to pop. Although previous musical study can certainly aid in a student’s advancement, it is not a requirement.
In addition to her private teaching studio, Dr. Crocker is the Adjunct Professor of Harp at Middle Tennessee State University and Lipscomb University, and harp faculty for the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts. Please contact Dr. Crocker if you would like more information about studying with her at the collegiate level or for a summer program.
